Hi, - According to the numbers that you quote in your Post, your Husband has relatively aggressive form of Prostate Cancer (PCa) and should be weighing his treatment options. Most experts would agree that a Gleason Score of (4 4)=8 suggests a "high risk" malignancy, which is likely to progress unless intervention is made.

Which of the treatment options he wishes to pursue is subject to the review of the complete findings shown in the Pathology Report from his Biopsy. Depending on the source of that original Pathology Report, you may wish to have the Biopsy slides reviewed by a recognized expert in the examination of Prostate tissue.

There are several, usually found at major University teaching institutions and/or the recognized 'Centers of Excellence". Dr. Epstein at Johns Hopkins and Dr. Bostwick at Bostwick Laboratories are two Pathologists that immediately come to mind.

Good luck and become educated about the disease, so that you can make INFORMED decisions. - John@newPCa.org (aka) az4peaks

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:Gleason 4+4Hi, - According to the numbers that you quote in your Post, your Husband has relatively aggressive form of Prostate Cancer (PCa) and should be weighing his treatment options. Most experts would agree that a Gleason Score of (4 4)=8 suggests a "high risk" malignancy, which is likely to progress unless intervention is made.

Which of the treatment options he wishes to pursue is subject to the review of the complete findings shown in the Pathology Report from his Biopsy. Depending on the source of that original Pathology Report, you may wish to have the Biopsy slides reviewed by a recognized expert in the examination of Prostate tissue.

There are several, usually found at major University teaching institutions and/or the recognized 'Centers of Excellence". Dr. Epstein at Johns Hopkins and Dr. Bostwick at Bostwick Laboratories are two Pathologists that immediately come to mind.

Good luck and become educated about the disease, so that you can make INFORMED decisions. - John@newPCa.org (aka) az4peaks

The first step is to rule out distant/metastatic disease. While most men with low risk prostate cancer don't require routine bone scans or MRI/CT scans, I almost always do some sort of staging studies in high risk disease. (anyone with Gleason 8 disease or higher)

In general, if the disease is truly localized than most experts would suggest multi-modal therapy. (ie, radiation with hormone therapy or radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection followed possibly by adjuvant radiation).

There is however, good data from several large institutions showing durable cancer control with surgery alone.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:Gleason 4+4The first step is to rule out distant/metastatic disease. While most men with low risk prostate cancer don't require routine bone scans or MRI/CT scans, I almost always do some sort of staging studies in high risk disease. (anyone with Gleason 8 disease or higher)

In general, if the disease is truly localized than most experts would suggest multi-modal therapy. (ie, radiation with hormone therapy or radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection followed possibly by adjuvant radiation).

There is however, good data from several large institutions showing durable cancer control with surgery alone.

The opinions expressed in WebMD Communities are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Communities are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.

Do not consider Communities as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.